For others, courage means refusing to give up, despite setbacks.
Refugee Week 2026: Celebrating Courage
This Refugee Week, the theme is Courage. Read reflections from some of our clients on what courage means to them.
This Refugee Week, we are celebrating courage.
Courage can take many forms.
For many of the people we work with, courage is found in those big, life-changing moments. Leaving behind everything familiar. Navigating a new culture. Supporting a family in a new country. Rebuilding a career from scratch.
But courage is also found in the everyday. Asking for directions in a new language, taking a bus through a new city, applying for that first job.
Every day, we see the courage of the people who have faced forced migration as they navigate barriers, pursue opportunities, and work towards their goals.
For many refugees, finding employment in the UK can be a long and challenging journey. Alongside the practical challenges of adapting to a new environment, many are working to have qualifications recognised, build professional networks, improve their English, and understand an unfamiliar jobs market.
Yet despite these obstacles, refugees continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, determination, and ambition.
As Rabia, who came to the UK from Afghanistan, reflects:
Moving to the UK was a major life change and came with many challenges... There were moments when the process felt overwhelming, but these challenges also motivated me to keep building my skills and finding opportunities to rebuild my career.
Baldomero's story
"My advice to refugees is never to give up on your dreams... you have to be strong, you have to overcome a lot, always have a positive attitude, and be resilient... life is not easy, but you have to learn to overcome and never give up."
Read Baldomero's storyCourage can also mean continuing to move forward.
Rafael's* story
"My re-accreditation trajectory has not been a straight line. I faced personal challenges that slowed my pace... Meanwhile, adjusting to a new culture without an established community can be isolating, but you build and grow from every experience... will-power and determination have allowed me to move forward."
*Name changed
Read Rafael's storyFor Nanou, courage is about turning personal experience into positive change.
Nanou's story
"As someone who has been through the hardships of the immigration system... my expertise comes from first-hand encounters with challenges... I can drive change by influencing policies, services, and initiatives... I can empower others by sharing my journey with those facing similar challenges."
Read Nanou's storyAnd for Mika, from Azerbaijan, courage meant staying focused on her goals despite significant challenges.
Mika's* Story
"As a refugee, I faced many challenges - navigating a new system, while dealing with language barriers, homelessness, and the responsibility of caring for my disabled mother. It was overwhelming at times... Despite all this I stayed focused on my goals. I pushed through university, got my degree, and along the way I became passionate about helping others in similar situations."
*Name changed
Read Mika's storyThese stories remind us that courage is not always dramatic or visible. Often, it is found in the decision to keep going. To apply for another job. To attend another interview. To learn a new skill. To keep building a future despite uncertainty.
This Refugee Week, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees across the UK. We are proud to stand alongside the people we support as they build new lives, pursue meaningful employment, and contribute their skills, experiences, and talents to their communities and workplaces.
